FRESH ideas and an urge to make a town to be proud of are the watchwords of Northwich’s new mayor.

Clr Alison Gerrard took up the chain of office for a second time at Northwich Town Council’s annual meeting promising a year of ‘girl power’.

She said: “Well, what can I say?

“Girl power comes to mind but it truly is an honour and a privilege to know that members have the confidence in me to know I will give my all in this role on behalf of the council and the wonderful people of Northwich.

“I look forward to rekindling past friendships and forging new ones in what is going to be an exciting year with the Northwich regeneration.”

In her first mayoral year, from May 2011 to May 2012, Clr Gerrard was keen to include young people in the activities of the council, from organising an Easter egg hunt in Vickersway Park to launching a youth council for the town’s schoolchildren.

Clr Derek Bowden, who proposed her as the mayor, said: “During her period of leadership then the town reached out very actively towards young people and successive mayors have carried it on .

“I’m confident that under Clr Gerrard as our mayor and leader the town will again enhance and develop that matter of bringing young people into the community.”

He added: “I know Alison’s commitment to making Northwich a town people want to live in, a town people want to work in and a town people want to be a part of.”

Clr Andrew Cooper said: “In her last role as mayor Clr Gerrard was brimming with fresh ideas and a strong commitment to young people.”

Clr Gerrard will be fundraising throughout her year to give as many men as possible chance to have simple prostate cancer tests in Northwich and will also raise money for the Vale Royal Disability Service.

Clr Andy Stott was elected as deputy mayor.